Kal-Haven Trail Now Goes To Lake Michigan

The Van Buren Trail Spur has just been completed in South Haven.

People who bike or run the Kal-Haven Trail from Kalamazoo to South Haven (who would do that?) can now complete the trip to Lake Michigan without having to share the road with motorized vehicles.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced on November 5 that the Van Buren Trail Spur now is open. The 4.5-mile stretch connects Van Buren State Park to the South Haven Trail system. The city maintains a marked route that connects to a downtown trailhead, city businesses, beaches and Kal-Haven Trail State Park.

This is a really exciting improvement, not only for state park visitors, but for anyone coming to South Haven to experience all that the area has to offer. Visitors will be able to travel from the state park to South Haven on a paved hiking/biking path separate from vehicle traffic.

-DNR land manager Kurt Maxwell

The trail section is open to foot traffic, bicycles and nonmotorized, wheeled devices such as roller skates and skateboards, as well as cross-country skis and snowshoes.

There is no fee to use the trail; however, a Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry to Van Buren State Park. There is no cost to park at the City Downtown Trailhead.

So, on April 9, 2016, those who have run the 33 1/2 miles of the Kal-Haven Trail Run can make it an even 38 miles and go all the way to Lake Michigan. I just might have to do that.